first look at new homes proposed for Durham

Stunning images have been unveiled showing how more than 100 new homes proposed for a County Durham community could look.

The artist’s impressions show a mix of houses and bungalows built around a beautiful green spine which runs through the centre of the development.

The pictures feature in plans by believe housing for 107 homes at Brandon, west of Durham City.

If the scheme gets planning permission, a mix of bungalows and two, three and four-bed houses would be built in cul-de-sacs overlooking a green spine.

The landscaped area, which will provide a safe environment for children to play and residents to socialise, will also support biodiversity, link different areas of the development, connect with existing footpaths and improve drainage.

All the homes would be affordable housing available through shared ownership, Rent to Buy or affordable rent and each has its own driveway, garden and Electric Vehicle charging point.

The development would breathe new life into the former site of Silver Courts and Vicarage Flats, and land at Rowan Lea and Red Firs.

The 3.8 hectare site is being cleared by believe housing because the properties became outdated and no longer met the needs or aspirations of customers. Most residents are now settled into new homes and those still onsite continue to be supported with relocation.

The scheme would also fit into a wider masterplan for central Brandon, which is being developed by believe housing with local people and will include investment in existing properties in the area.

Feedback from public consultation events held in December, along with an online survey, helped to shape the planning application before it was submitted to Durham County Council this month (February 2023).

Kate Abson, Director of Development at believe housing, said: “We’ve listened to the community, looked at the area’s needs and worked closely with our architects JDDK to propose an attractive development which will help reinvigorate the area.

“It is designed to make the most of this brilliant location, from the good local transport links to beautiful open views.

“The high quality and energy efficient homes we’re proposing will help meet local demand and support local services and amenities.

“We’re really excited about the potential this development has to provide homes a range of people want and to boost the vibrancy of the area.”

For all enquiries please email: development@believehousing.co.uk